Care Planning | Personalised Support at Home Plans | RusCare Melbourne
Personalised Care Planning

Creating Your Support at Home Care Plan

Work with RusCare to develop a customised care plan tailored to your unique needs, goals, and cultural preferences. With flexible quarterly budgets and comprehensive service options, you're in control of your care journey from day one.

Explore Care Planning

Crafting Your Personalised Care Roadmap

At RusCare, we believe that effective care starts with a deep understanding of your individual circumstances. Our care planning process creates a personalised roadmap that addresses your specific needs, goals, and cultural preferences - ensuring your care enriches your quality of life.

Understanding Your Support at Home Classification

Once you've completed your aged care assessment, you'll receive a Support at Home classification (1-8) and your quarterly budget amount. This determines which services you can access and how much funding you have every three months.

Your care plan will be built around your classification, budget, and personal preferences - choosing the right mix of services to support your independence and wellbeing at home.

Your Six-Step Care Planning Journey

We guide you through a systematic, thoughtful process to ensure your care plan truly meets your needs and reflects what matters most to you.

1

Comprehensive Consultation

Understanding You Is Our Priority

We arrange a face-to-face or virtual meeting at your convenience to learn about your lifestyle, health conditions, daily routines, and what matters most to you and your family.

Cultural Sensitivity

  • Communicate in Russian or English based on your preference
  • Respect and incorporate your cultural practices and traditions
  • Understand Orthodox Christian observances and Russian customs
  • Encourage family involvement throughout the planning process
  • Consider your preferences for Russian-speaking care workers
2

Assessment of Care Needs

Health Evaluation

  • Review medical conditions, medications, and ongoing treatments
  • Identify needs for clinical care (nursing, allied health)
  • Assess chronic disease management requirements
  • Determine if you qualify for short-term pathways (Restorative, AT-HM, End-of-Life)

Daily Living Activities

  • Personal care needs (showering, dressing, grooming, mobility)
  • Domestic tasks (housekeeping, laundry, meal preparation)
  • Shopping and transport assistance requirements
  • Home safety and accessibility considerations

Social and Emotional Wellbeing

  • Social support and companionship needs
  • Connection to Russian community and cultural activities
  • Mental health and cognitive support requirements
  • Family carer respite needs
3

Developing Your Personalised Care Plan

Service Selection

Choose from RusCare's comprehensive range of services based on your classification and quarterly budget. We'll explain which services fall into each category:

  • Clinical Care (0% contribution): Nursing, allied health, fully government-funded
  • Independence Support (5-50%): Personal care, transport, social support
  • Everyday Living (17.5-80%): Domestic assistance, meals, shopping

Goal Setting

  • Identify short-term goals and immediate priorities
  • Plan for long-term objectives and future care needs
  • Set realistic, achievable outcomes you want to accomplish
  • Align goals with your values and cultural preferences

Budget Planning

  • Understand your quarterly budget and how it works
  • Review contribution rates based on your means test
  • Allocate funds across service categories strategically
  • Plan for the 10% care management allocation
  • Discuss carry-over options for unused funds (up to $1,000 or 10%)

Care Team Assignment

  • Meet the professionals who will provide your services
  • Request Russian-speaking care workers where available
  • Establish consistent staff for familiarity and trust
  • Introduce your care coordinator for ongoing support
4

Finalising the Service Agreement

Reviewing the Plan

We thoroughly review every aspect of your care plan to ensure it meets your expectations and addresses all your needs. This is your opportunity to ask questions and request changes.

Service Agreement

  • Receive a clear, detailed agreement outlining services and schedules
  • Understand costs, contribution rates, and payment arrangements
  • Review your rights and responsibilities
  • Sign the agreement to commence services

Information Pack

  • Resource materials and service guides (in Russian and English)
  • Emergency contact numbers and after-hours support
  • Care team contact information
  • Feedback and complaint procedures
5

Implementing the Care Plan

Scheduling Services

  • Establish a schedule that fits your routine and preferences
  • Set up appointment reminders via phone, text, or email
  • Coordinate timing with family schedules if desired
  • Build flexibility for unexpected changes or needs

Care Coordination

Your care coordinator ensures all team members are aligned with your care plan, communicating with:

  • Your care workers and service providers
  • Your GP and medical specialists
  • Allied health practitioners
  • Your family members (with your consent)
  • Other healthcare providers in your network
6

Continuous Review and Adjustment

Regular Check-Ins

  • Quarterly reviews aligned with your budget cycles
  • Ongoing feedback opportunities to share your experiences
  • Quality assurance checks to ensure service standards
  • Annual comprehensive care plan reviews

Flexible Adjustments

Your care plan can change anytime to meet your evolving needs:

  • Modify service frequency or type within your quarterly budget
  • Add new services as needs emerge
  • Request re-assessment if circumstances change significantly
  • Adjust goals and priorities based on progress

Additional Support

  • Access to short-term pathways if eligible (Restorative Care, etc.)
  • Connection to community resources and programs
  • Referrals to specialists or additional services
  • Emergency response for urgent changes in your situation

Why Personalised Care Planning Matters

A thoughtfully designed care plan transforms aged care from a service into a partnership - supporting your independence, dignity, and quality of life at every stage.

Empowerment and Independence

Your Voice Counts: You have control over all care decisions and service choices. Your preferences guide every aspect of your care plan, from which services you receive to when and how they're delivered.

Maintain Independence: Our support enables you to live life on your terms at home. Services are designed to enhance your capabilities, not replace them, helping you remain as independent as possible.

Flexible Control: Change your service mix anytime within your quarterly budget. As your needs or priorities shift, your care plan adapts without requiring formal reviews or lengthy processes.

Goal-Focused: Your care plan works towards outcomes you've defined. Whether it's maintaining social connections, improving mobility, or staying in your own home longer, your goals drive the planning.

Holistic, Comprehensive Care

Physical Health: Access clinical care, personal care, and allied health services tailored to your medical needs. From nursing care and physiotherapy to medication management and wound care, we address all aspects of your physical wellbeing.

Emotional Wellbeing: Receive social support, companionship, and mental health care to maintain your psychological health. Our Russian-speaking staff understand the importance of emotional connection and cultural familiarity.

Cultural Connection: Enjoy Russian language services and cultural activities that keep you connected to your heritage. From Orthodox Christian observances to traditional celebrations, we honour what matters to you.

Quality of Life: Participate in meaningful activities, maintain relationships, and engage with your community. Care isn't just about health - it's about living well and staying connected to the things and people you love.

Family Peace of Mind

Clear Communication: Everyone stays informed and involved in care decisions. We provide regular updates in Russian or English, ensuring family members understand your care plan and can participate meaningfully in decisions.

Professional Support: Our experienced team works collaboratively with your family, respecting the important role they play in your care. We're here to support both you and your loved ones throughout the journey.

Coordinated Care: We liaise with your GPs, specialists, and other healthcare providers to ensure seamless, comprehensive care. Everyone in your healthcare network stays connected and aligned.

Responsive Service: Quick adjustments when needs change or emergencies arise. Our care coordinators are available to respond rapidly to changing circumstances, providing your family with reassurance and support.

Ready to Create Your Personalised Care Plan?

Our experienced care planning team is here to work with you every step of the way. Whether you've just received your Support at Home approval or want to review your existing plan, we're ready to help - in Russian and English.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I choose the services included in my care plan?
Absolutely! Your care plan is completely customised based on your preferences and needs within your classification and quarterly budget. You have the freedom to select which services matter most to you and can change your service mix at any time.
How often can my care plan be updated?
Your care plan can be adjusted anytime within your quarterly budget. We conduct formal reviews every quarter aligned with your budget cycles, but you can request changes whenever your needs or preferences change. If your care needs change significantly, you can also request a re-assessment to review your classification.
Will I have the same caregivers consistently?
We prioritise consistency and aim to assign the same care workers to you whenever possible. This builds trust, familiarity, and better relationships. If you prefer Russian-speaking care workers, we'll do our best to accommodate this preference based on availability.
What happens to unused funds in my quarterly budget?
Under Support at Home, you can carry over unused funds to the next quarter - up to $1,000 or 10% of your quarterly budget (whichever is greater). This provides flexibility if you don't need all your services in one quarter or want to save for larger expenses.
Can my family be involved in the care planning process?
Yes! We strongly encourage family involvement throughout the care planning process. Family members can attend meetings, provide input, and help make decisions (with your consent). We understand the important role family plays in Russian culture and welcome their participation.
How do I know which services I should choose?
Our care planning team will guide you through the options based on your assessment, classification, and personal circumstances. We'll explain what each service involves, how it can help you, and recommend a service mix that addresses your needs while staying within your budget. You're always in control of the final decisions.

Explore More About Support at Home

Deepen your understanding of Support at Home services and how to make the most of your quarterly budget.

Let's Build Your Care Plan Together

With nearly 70 years of experience and deep cultural understanding, RusCare is your trusted partner in creating a care plan that truly works for you. Contact us today to begin your personalised care planning journey.